February 17, 2017

When it comes to bathroom design, there’s more to think about than how aesthetically pleasing it will be. Of course, style plays a large part in your planning, but you should also consider how to make your bathroom a safe place to be – from the layout to choosing anti-slip tiles for the floor.

Floor tiles for slip resistance

There aren’t actually any building regulations around reducing slip hazards, so the safety aspects of your bathroom design are down to personal choice. There are, however, laws and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for the use of floor tiles in commercial environments – like a restaurant kitchen or hotel bathrooms.

It’s important to remember that ALL surfaces can become slippery when wet – whatever floor tiles or wall tiles you opt for in your bathroom design. However, non-slip tiles are given ‘ratings’ based on slip-resistance testing. ‘R-Ratings’ is one of the systems used, with results of tiles ranging from R-9 to R-13, and the higher the rating, the better slip resistance.

Tiles are also rated by the more accurate ‘pendulum test value’ (PTV). Porcel-Thin is one of the leading UK porcelain tile brands, and employs this rigorous testing regime in-house, on its own fabulous range of non-slip, ultra-thin porcelain tiles, which are available through our sister company, UK Tiles Direct.

Using anti-slip tiles in your bathroom design

Anti-slip tiles vary in styles, effects and textures, so you can find the perfect floor tile or wall tile to work with your bathroom design. Just because you’re considering safety, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Think about the material you want to use in your overall design – whether you’re embracing the natural look that’s hugely popular in modern bathrooms, or a traditional theme, there’s a wide range of stylish anti-slip tiles to sit perfectly within any bathroom design.

Stunning effects of porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles

Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are the perfect choice for both walls and floors, offering a stunning backdrop. And, other than cutting, porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles need no other applications or treatments before being fitted in a bathroom or wetroom.

With modern technology allowing for exceptionally realistic reproductions of natural stone and wood, you can enjoy all the durability of a porcelain or ceramic tile, with the fabulous characteristics of these gorgeous materials. Wood effect tiles and stone effect tiles offer practicality and, with the intricate detailing and textures of the real thing, slip resistance alongside sophistication.

UK Tiles Direct has an unrivalled choice of anti-slip floor and wall tiles, in a variety of stunning effects, finishes and colours, available to view at our bathroom and tile showroom in Dorset.

Make a statement with mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles open up a world of opportunities for the design of any bathroom or wetroom. They offer natural slip resistance due to the texture and the grout lines, which act as a ‘gulley’ to help water disperse. With such a varied range of mosaic tiles available, in an array of colours and effects, you can create an exceptionally stylish bathroom, with a spectacular feature floor or wall. The mesh backing on mosaic tiles also makes them easy to manoeuvre into place.

Maintaining a safe bathroom design

While the benefits of non-slip tiles in your bathroom or wetroom design are evident, it’s also worth also thinking about the on-going maintenance, as sometimes a rougher surface on floor and wall tiles can make them harder to clean.

So much choice when it comes to creating your ideal – and safe – bathroom can be overwhelming. At Room H2o we have specialist designers who can help you every step of the way to achieving your perfect bathroom design. To find out more about our bathroom design and installation services, and view the full collection of anti-slip bathroom tiles available from Room H2o, please visit our showroom in Wareham, Dorset.